Russian swimmer banned 8 years for doping

Russian swimmer Vitaly Melnikov has been banned for eight years for a second positive doping test, during training for Olympic qualifying races.

FINA says Melnikov tested positive for a growth hormone in a sample taken in Moscow in March.

FINA says he was provisionally suspended in April to bar him from a qualification meet later that week for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Melnikov did not contest the FINA hearing into his case, the ruling says.

The 26-year-old Russian is banned through April 21, 2024.

Melnikov served a two-year ban for testing positive for EPO at the 2013 European short-course championships.

He was stripped of an individual silver medal in backstroke and a team relay gold.